Exchanging vows only.. reception??

For which part?! And why are you renewing them a year later?

For next month? No reception. A reception is to thank people for coming. If no one is coming, you shouldn't have a reception. Especially since you're having a destination renewal later.

Just my opinion, though.

Thanks so much for your feedback.. We want to get it over with.. it is almost impossible to keep it really small as we both have large families. Our thoughts were to exchange vows with just a few witnesses and take our time to plan and save for a destination renewal ceremony.. oops 2016 not 2015.

Maybe just invite your witnesses out for a nice dinner? sounds like you're keeping it small so you could probably go anywhere that accepts a reservation. I'd probably look up some etiquette on eloping - since that is essentially what you're doing. right?

My fiancee and I are getting married in Jamaica; we want an intimate wedding with only the two of us there. We both have HUGE families, and they have suggested that we have a bbq reception when we get back. It's not gonna be like a normal reception, but rather just a celebration. I personally was unsure if it was right or normal to have a reception, because like someone previously mentioned, most people think its to thank your guests for coming; our families see it as a time to celebrate Jacob and I and our future together and simply didn't understand the other view of it. We will definitely be having one. Since my family and friends- who if I was having a big wedding would be my bridal party- aren't able to attend, there is NO WAY I wouldn't find a way to incorporate them into something that is this important to me, to us. Honestly, just do whats best for y'all.